Lesbian Mothering

Lesbian mothering is defined within heterosexual norms, and at the same time defies those norms. As mothers, lesbians are appraised by heterosexual norms and are expected to adhere to social and moral standards that sustain those norms. As lesbians, mothers risk being suspected of failing to model appropriate social and gender roles for her children. In both instances, the fear of losing custody of her children looms. Although though there are studies that have shown no significant difference in children raised by lesbian mothers or heterosexual mothers of the same class, race, and ability backgrounds, lesbian mothers are at risk of being viewed as bad mothers.

Women become lesbians by virtue of their social, psychological, and emotional attachment to other females as their sexual and/or life ...